Bartleby Program has been more than just hitting the books, according to Elizabethton High School student Sarrah Eggers.

Eggers, along with other students part of the inaugural program, will showcase their different projects and tell the community how the program has helped in Carter County and Elizabethton during the inaugural Bartleby Open House – scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 7, from 8 to 11 a.m. at TCAT – Elizabethton.

EHS was able to implement Bartleby Program for the 2017-18 academic year after coming away as one of the super school winners during last year’s XQ American Super School Project.

The fall semester featured of 15 students taking part in the inaugural Community Involvement Class, geared to encourage high school students on finding ways to help with different community needs.

“Bartleby has impacted me in the best way,” Eggers told the Elizabethton Star. “It is the hardest class I’ve ever had and the one I’ve gained the most from. There are definitely hiccups throughout the semester, but I was never worried. The class turned out to be even better than I expected. I have seen so many good things from my peers. Through their accomplishments, they have proven to everyone that students are far more than a test score.”

Eggers was the driving force on coordinating murals throughout downtown Elizabethton. Students spent time with the Downtown Business Association to complete two murals are local businesses.

“Both murals are now complete,” she said. “They look gorgeous and they both have received amazing feedback from the community, especially the interactive wings on Blue River Studio.”

Eggers thanked everyone involved with the project, including Karen and Tom Hitchcock with Blue River studio and Cathy Shoun with the Dressing Room – the site of the second mural.

Eggers also credited the help of her peers with the project, including Emily Jenkins, who handled the work at Blue River Studio and assisted with the painting at the other location.

Being out in the community has helped learn skills neccessary for life after school, according to Eggers.

“My project is progressing very well,” she said. “Especially with two murals complete. During the winter months, the paint brushes will be put down and I am going to have meetings with business owners for future murals. I have learned so many things during this project, everything from filling out a purchase order to acquiring sponsors.”

Students also participated in other activities, ranging from work with the Elizabethton Walking Tour, Tweetsie Trail Cleanups and work within the school system to create peer-based groups to encourage positive learning environments.

Citizens will have the opportunity to learn all the ins and outs about the Bartleby during Thursday’s open house. RSVP is encouraged can be done by contacting Bartleby Program Director Terry Smith at (423) 547-8015 ex. 1551.

“Come to the open house and learn about what’s happening in your community,” she said. “You won’t regret it. You’ll meet some wonderful people, and you may find a way to get involved.”